Pope Francis has approved a new system of accountability for bishops who don’t appropriately handle accusations of clergy sex abuse. Power will be given to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to judge bishops “with regard to crimes of the abuse of office when connected to the abuse of minors”. A new office Read more
A priest who alleged a gay mafia was behind bullying in the Scottish church has been found guilty of defamation. A Church tribunal found that Fr Matthew Despard of St John Ogilvie in Lanarkshire had injured the reputation of the Church as well as clergy and lay people. Already under suspension, he will be removed Read more
The diocese of Cleveland in Ohio is to eliminate fees for marriage annulments, in an effort to help more Catholics return to the practice of their faith. Bishop Richard Lennon announced this is to promote the common good of the faithful of Cleveland. A typical annulment case costs petitioners about US$450. The overall cost of Read more